Methods and systems for a gesture-controlled lottery terminal

ABSTRACT

A method including providing a lottery terminal that includes a graphical user interface and a motion capture device to facilitate a user to play in a lottery. The method further includes displaying, on the graphical user interface, a first image with content that includes drawing lottery tickets, instant lottery tickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, and advertisements and detecting, by the motion capture device, a gesture of the user in a three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal. The method may further includes displaying, on the graphical user interface, a second image with content based, at least in part, on the gesture of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, a payment from the user for playing the lottery; and distributing, by the lottery terminal, a lottery ticket, based, at least in part, on the gesture of the user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/976,651, entitled, “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A GESTURE-CONTROLLEDLOTTERY TERMINAL”, filed Dec. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/847,834, entitled, “METHODS AND SYSTEMSFOR A GESTURE-CONTROLLED LOTTERY TERMINAL”, filed Mar. 20, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,218,723, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/613,251, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AGESTURE-CONTROLLED VENDING MACHINE,” filed Mar. 20, 2012, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/800,848, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEM FORA GESTURE-CONTROLLED LOTTERY TERMINAL,” filed Mar. 15, 2013, which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant invention relates to methods and systems for playing thelottery.

BACKGROUND

Lottery terminals for dispensing lottery tickets are known.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a lottery terminalcomprising a graphical user interface and a motion capture device so asto facilitate a user to play in a lottery; displaying, by the lotteryterminal on the graphical user interface, at least one first image,wherein a first content of the at least one first image is selected fromthe group consisting of drawing lottery tickets, instant lotterytickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, andadvertisements; detecting, by the motion capture device, at least onefirst gesture of a user in a three dimensional space surrounding thelottery terminal; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphicaluser interface, at least one second image, wherein a second content ofthe at least second image is based, at least in part, on the at leastone first gesture of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, atleast one payment from the user for playing the lottery; anddistributing, by the lottery terminal, at least one lottery ticket,based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the payment includes currency, credit card, debitcard, and/or payment with a mobile electronic device having a mobileapplication configured for payment.

In some embodiments, the at least one first gesture includes movement ofa body, a limb, and/or a head of the user and/or a change in a facialexpression of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one first gesture includes movement ofa body part selected from the group consisting of arm, hand, leg, foot,hand, finger, and toe.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by thelottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user.

In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback to the user isbased, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture.

In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback includes anavatar display, an advertising display, a request for the user to playin the lottery and/or a cursor.

In some embodiments, the avatar display includes an avatar configuredto:

-   -   i) facilitate user selection of drawing lottery tickets, instant        lottery tickets, and/or lottery games and/or    -   ii) repeat the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by thelottery terminal, lack of movement and/or lack of sound from the userfor a predetermined time.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by thelottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user for asufficient time so as to result in the user departing the threedimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal or the user playingin the lottery.

In some embodiments, the at least one lottery ticket is selected fromthe group consisting of an electronic representation form lottery ticketand a physical form lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by themotion capture device, at least one first gesture of a second user in athree dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a positionof the user and a second position of the second user and comparing theuser position to the second position of the second user to determine aprimary user that is positioned closer to the lottery terminal; andconducting the receiving and distributing steps with the primary user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes changing the at leastone first image based, at least in part, on:

i) an inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets;

ii) the at least one payment; and/or

iii) the at least one gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the changing step includes removing or changing acolor of the at least one first image of the drawing and/or instantlottery tickets based, at least in part, on:

-   -   i) unavailability of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets        in the inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets;        and/or    -   ii) a cost of the drawing and/or instant lottery ticket        exceeding the payment.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by themotion capture device, at least one second gesture of a user in thethree dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the second content of the at least first image isbased, at least in part, on the at least one second gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the distributing step is based, at least in part,on the at least one second gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes evaluating the at leastone gesture to identify the at least one lottery ticket selected by theuser.

In some embodiments, the different at least one gestures correspond toidentification of the same at least one lottery ticket selected by theuser.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a lottery terminalcomprising a graphical user interface and a motion capture device so asto facilitate a user to play in a lottery; displaying, by the lotteryterminal on the graphical user interface, at least one first image,wherein a first content of the at least one first image is selected fromthe group consisting of drawing lottery tickets, instant lotterytickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, andadvertisements; detecting, by the motion capture device, at least onefirst gesture of a user in a three dimensional space surrounding thelottery terminal; evaluating, by the lottery terminal, at least onefeature of the user based, at least in part, on the at least one firstgesture of the user; displaying, by the lottery terminal on thegraphical user interface, at least one second image, wherein a secondcontent of the at least second image is based, at least in part, on theat least one feature of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, atleast one payment from the user for playing the lottery; anddistributing, by the lottery terminal, at least one lottery ticket,based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the dynamically-generated animations are based, atleast in part, on at least one of the detecting, receiving, and/ordistributing steps.

In some embodiments, the at least one feature of the user is selectedfrom the group consisting of a height, weight, position, gender, age,facial feature, hairstyle, clothing and handicap.

In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying, by thelottery terminal on the graphical user interface, the at least firstimage based, at least in part, on the evaluation of the at least onefeature of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes locking the receivingand distributing steps based, at least in part, on the age of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes unlocking the receivingand distributing steps based, at least in part, on evaluating, by thelottery terminal, the age of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by at leastone camera and/or scanner, at least one lottery ticket provided by theuser; evaluating the at least one lottery ticket to determine if the atleast one lottery ticket is a winning lottery ticket or a losing lotteryticket; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphical userinterface, a result of the evaluation of the at least one lotteryticket.

In some embodiments, the system includes a lottery terminal, wherein thelottery terminal comprises: a graphical user interface configured todisplay at least one image; a motion capture device configured to detecta gesture of a user in a three dimensional space; and a computer systemconfigured to:

(i) interpret the gesture of the user in the three dimensional space and

(ii) display an image on the graphical user interface based, at least inpart, on the gesture.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a payment receivingdevice configured to receive at least one payment from the user.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a lottery ticketdispensing mechanism configured to provide one or more lottery ticketsto at least one user.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is selected from thegroup consisting of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diodescreen, and a projector screen.

In some embodiments, the system further includes an audio deviceconfigured to provide audio feedback to the user.

In some embodiments, the audio device comprises a microphone and asystem configured to recognize speech of the user.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a lottery ticketreader.

In some embodiments, the lottery ticket reader comprises a camera and/orscanner configured for viewing a lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a touchscreen.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is configured forviewing a dispensing of a physical form lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the system further includes the graphical userinterface is configured to provide real-time and/or delayed videoconferencing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

FIG. 1 illustrates features of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates features of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates features of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates features of some embodiments of the presentinvention.

The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarilyto scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the likeshown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, andnot restrictive.

Throughout the description, the following terms take the meaningsexplicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments” asused herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), thoughthey may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in someother embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to adifferent embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, variousembodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Illustrative Operating Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which the presentinvention may operate. However, not all of these components may berequired to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangementand type of the components may be made without departing from the spiritor scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the inventive system andmethod may include a large number of members and/or concurrenttransactions. In other embodiments, the inventive system and method arebased on a scalable computer and network architecture that incorporatesvaries strategies for assessing the data, caching, searching, anddatabase connection pooling. An example of the scalable architecture isan architecture that is capable of operating multiple servers.

In embodiments, members of the inventive computer system 102-104 (e.g.lottery terminals) include virtually any computing device capable ofreceiving and sending a message over a network, such as network 105, toand from another computing device, such as servers 106 and 107, eachother, and the like. In embodiments, the set of such devices includesdevices that typically connect using a wired communications medium suchas personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, and the like. Inembodiments, the set of such devices also includes devices thattypically connect using a wireless communications medium such as cellphones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, radio frequency (RF)devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated devices combining one ormore of the preceding devices, or virtually any mobile device, and thelike. Similarly, in embodiments, client devices 102-104 are any devicethat is capable of connecting using a wired or wireless communicationmedium such as a PDA, POCKET PC, wearable computer, and any other devicethat is equipped to communicate over a wired and/or wirelesscommunication medium.

In embodiments, each member device within member devices 102-104 mayinclude a browser application that is configured to receive and to sendweb pages, and the like. In embodiments, the browser application may beconfigured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and thelike, employing virtually any web based language, including, but notlimited to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such asHyperText Markup Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP),a Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless MarkupLanguage (WML), WMLScript, XML, JavaScript, and the like. In someembodiments, the invention is programmed in either Java, .Net, QT, C,C++ or other suitable programming language.

In embodiments, member devices 102-104 may be further configured toreceive a message from another computing device employing anothermechanism, including, but not limited to email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MIMS), instant messaging (IM),internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like or a Proprietaryprotocol.

In embodiments, network 105 may be configured to couple one computingdevice to another computing device to enable them to communicate. Insome embodiments, network 105 may be enabled to employ any form ofcomputer readable media for communicating information from oneelectronic device to another. Also, in embodiments, network 105 mayinclude a wireless interface, and/or a wired interface, such as theInternet, in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks(WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB)port, other forms of computer-readable media, or any combinationthereof. In embodiments, on an interconnected set of LANs, includingthose based on differing architectures and protocols, a router may actas a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one toanother.

Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs typicallyinclude twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments,remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotelyconnected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephonelink. In essence, in some embodiments, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between clientdevices 102-104, and servers 106 and 107.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer and networkarchitecture that supports the inventive method and system. The memberdevices 202 a, 202 b thru 202 n shown (e.g., lottery terminals) each atleast includes a computer-readable medium, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) 208 coupled to a processor 210 or FLASH memory. Theprocessor 210 may execute computer-executable program instructionsstored in memory 208. Such processors comprise a microprocessor, anASIC, and state machines. Such processors comprise, or may be incommunication with, media, for example computer-readable media, whichstores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to perform the steps described herein. Embodiments ofcomputer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, anelectronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission devicecapable of providing a processor, such as the processor 210 of client202 a, with computer-readable instructions. Other examples of suitablemedia may include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD,magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor,all optical media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or anyother medium from which a computer processor can read instructions.Also, various other forms of computer-readable media may transmit orcarry instructions to a computer, including a router, private or publicnetwork, or other transmission device or channel, both wired andwireless. The instructions may comprise code from anycomputer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#,Visual Basic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript

Member devices 202 a-n may also comprise a number of external orinternal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, a keyboard, a display,or other input or output devices. Examples of client devices 202 a-n maybe personal computers, digital assistants, personal digital assistants,cellular phones, mobile phones, smart phones, pagers, digital tablets,laptop computers, Internet appliances, and other processor-baseddevices. In general, a client device 202 a may be any type ofprocessor-based platform that is connected to a network 206 and thatinteracts with one or more application programs. Client devices 202 a-nmay operate on any operating system capable of supporting a browser orbrowser-enabled application, such as Microsoft™, Windows™, or Linux. Theclient devices 202 a-n shown may include, for example, personalcomputers executing a browser application program such as MicrosoftCorporation's Internet Explorer™, Apple Computer, Inc.'s Safari™,Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Through the client devices 202 a-n, users(e.g. players, agents, etc.) 212 a-n communicate over the network 206with each other and with other systems and devices coupled to thenetwork 206. As shown in FIG. 2, server devices 204 and 213 may be alsocoupled to the network 206.

In some embodiments, the term “mobile electronic device” may refer toany portable electronic device that may or may not be enabled withlocation tracking functionality. For example, a mobile electronic devicecan include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonablemobile electronic device. For ease, at times the above variations arenot listed or are only partially listed, this is in no way meant to be alimitation.

In some embodiments, the terms “proximity detection,” “locating,”“location data,” “location information,” and “location tracking” as usedherein may refer to any form of location tracking technology or locatingmethod that can be used to provide a location of a mobile electronicdevice, such as, but not limited to, at least one of locationinformation manually input by a user, such as, but not limited toentering the city, town, municipality, zip code, area code, crossstreets, or by any other reasonable entry to determine a geographicalarea; Global Positions Systems (GPS); GPS accessed using Bluetooth™; GPSaccessed using any reasonable form of wireless and/or non-wirelesscommunication; WiFi™ server location data; Bluetooth™ based locationdata; triangulation such as, but not limited to, network basedtriangulation, WiFi™ server information based triangulation, Bluetooth™server information based triangulation; Cell Identification basedtriangulation, Enhanced Cell Identification based triangulation,Uplink-Time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) based triangulation, Time ofarrival (TOA) based triangulation, Angle of arrival (AOA) basedtriangulation; techniques and systems using a geographic coordinatesystem such as, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal based,geodesic height based, cartesian coordinates based; Radio FrequencyIdentification such as, but not limited to, Long range RFID, Short rangeRFID; using any form of RFID tag such as, but not limited to active RFIDtags, passive RFID tags, battery assisted passive RFID tags; or anyother reasonable way to determine location. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, near-field wireless communication (NFC) canrepresent a short-range wireless communications technology in whichNFC-enabled devices are “swiped,” “bumped,” “tap” or otherwise moved inclose proximity to communicate. In some embodiments, NFC could include aset of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distanceof 10 cm or less.

In some embodiments, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 airinterface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. In someembodiments, NFC can involve an initiator and a target; the initiatoractively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. In someembodiment, this can enable NFC targets to take very simple form factorssuch as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not requirebatteries. In some embodiments, NFC peer-to-peer communication can beconducted when a plurality of NFC-enable devices within close proximityof each other.

Of note, the embodiments described herein may, of course, be implementedusing any appropriate computer system hardware and/or computer systemsoftware. In this regard, those of ordinary skill in the art are wellversed in the type of computer hardware that may be used (e.g., amainframe, a mini-computer, a personal computer (“PC”), a network (e.g.,an intranet and/or the internet)), the type of computer programmingtechniques that may be used (e.g., object oriented programming), and thetype of computer programming languages that may be used (e.g., C++,Basic, AJAX, Javascript). The aforementioned examples are, of course,illustrative and not restrictive.

For purposes of these examples, the term “lottery ticket” means eitherthe physical form (e.g., a ticket, etc.) or electronic representationwhich is representative of at least one or more lottery games. In someembodiments, all lottery tickets are rendered in physical form. In someembodiments, all lottery tickets are rendered in electronicrepresentation form. In some embodiments, at least one lottery ticket inphysical form and at least one lottery ticket is in electronicrepresentation form.

For purposes of these examples, the term lottery ticket and/or lotterygame may include visible and/or invisible data used for playing thelottery. In some embodiments, the lottery ticket and/or lottery game mayinclude data displayed using number(s), character(s), geometricalshapes, playing cards, dice, game boards, and/or combination(s) thereof.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a lottery terminalcomprising a graphical user interface and a motion capture device so asto facilitate a user to play in a lottery; displaying, by the lotteryterminal on the graphical user interface, at least one first image,wherein a first content of the at least one first image is selected fromthe group consisting of drawing lottery tickets, instant lotterytickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, andadvertisements; detecting, by the motion capture device, at least onefirst gesture of a user in a three dimensional space surrounding thelottery terminal; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphicaluser interface, at least one second image, wherein a second content ofthe at least second image is based, at least in part, on the at leastone first gesture of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, atleast one payment from the user for playing the lottery; anddistributing, by the lottery terminal, at least one lottery ticket,based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the payment includes currency, credit card, debitcard, and/or payment with a mobile electronic device having a mobileapplication configured for payment.

In some embodiments, the at least one first gesture includes movement ofa body, a limb, and/or a head of the user and/or a change in a facialexpression of the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one first gesture includes movement ofa body part selected from the group consisting of arm, hand, leg, foot,hand, finger, and toe.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by thelottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user.

In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback to the user isbased, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture.

In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback includes anavatar display, an advertising display, a request for the user to playin the lottery and/or a cursor.

In some embodiments, the avatar display includes an avatar configuredto:

-   -   i) facilitate user selection of drawing lottery tickets, instant        lottery tickets, and/or lottery games and/or    -   ii) repeat the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by thelottery terminal, lack of movement and/or lack of sound from the userfor a predetermined time.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by thelottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user for asufficient time so as to result in the user departing the threedimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal or the user playingin the lottery.

In some embodiments, the at least one lottery ticket is selected fromthe group consisting of an electronic representation form lottery ticketand a physical form lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by themotion capture device, at least one first gesture of a second user in athree dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a positionof the user and a second position of the second user and comparing theuser position to the second position of the second user to determine aprimary user that is positioned closer to the lottery terminal; andconducting the receiving and distributing steps with the primary user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes changing the at leastone first image based, at least in part, on:

i) an inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets;

ii) the at least one payment; and/or

iii) the at least one gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the changing step includes removing or changing acolor of the at least one first image of the drawing and/or instantlottery tickets based, at least in part, on:

-   -   i) unavailability of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets        in the inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets;        and/or    -   ii) a cost of the drawing and/or instant lottery ticket        exceeding the payment.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by themotion capture device, at least one second gesture of a user in thethree dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the second content of the at least first image isbased, at least in part, on the at least one second gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the distributing step is based, at least in part,on the at least one second gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes evaluating the at leastone gesture to identify the at least one lottery ticket selected by theuser.

In some embodiments, the different at least one gestures correspond toidentification of the same at least one lottery ticket selected by theuser.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing a lottery terminalcomprising a graphical user interface and a motion capture device so asto facilitate a user to play in a lottery; displaying, by the lotteryterminal on the graphical user interface, at least one first image,wherein a first content of the at least one first image is selected fromthe group consisting of drawing lottery tickets, instant lotterytickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, andadvertisements; detecting, by the motion capture device, at least onefirst gesture of a user in a three dimensional space surrounding thelottery terminal; evaluating, by the lottery terminal, at least onefeature of the user based, at least in part, on the at least one firstgesture of the user; displaying, by the lottery terminal on thegraphical user interface, at least one second image, wherein a secondcontent of the at least second image is based, at least in part, on theat least one feature of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, atleast one payment from the user for playing the lottery; anddistributing, by the lottery terminal, at least one lottery ticket,based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user.

In some embodiments, the dynamically-generated animations are based, atleast in part, on at least one of the detecting, receiving, and/ordistributing steps.

In some embodiments, the at least one feature of the user is selectedfrom the group consisting of a height, weight, position, gender, age,facial feature, hairstyle, clothing and handicap.

In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying, by thelottery terminal on the graphical user interface, the at least firstimage based, at least in part, on the evaluation of the at least onefeature of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes locking the receivingand distributing steps based, at least in part, on the age of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes unlocking the receivingand distributing steps based, at least in part, on evaluating, by thelottery terminal, the age of the user.

In some embodiments, the method further includes detecting, by at leastone camera and/or scanner, at least one lottery ticket provided by theuser; evaluating the at least one lottery ticket to determine if the atleast one lottery ticket is a winning lottery ticket or a losing lotteryticket; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphical userinterface, a result of the evaluation of the at least one lotteryticket.

In some embodiments, the system includes a lottery terminal, wherein thelottery terminal comprises: a graphical user interface configured todisplay at least one image; a motion capture device configured to detecta gesture of a user in a three dimensional space; and a computer systemconfigured to:

(i) interpret the gesture of the user in the three dimensional space and

(ii) display an image on the graphical user interface based, at least inpart, on the gesture.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a payment receivingdevice configured to receive at least one payment from the user.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a lottery ticketdispensing mechanism configured to provide one or more lottery ticketsto at least one user.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is selected from thegroup consisting of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diodescreen, and a projector screen.

In some embodiments, the system further includes an audio deviceconfigured to provide audio feedback to the user.

In some embodiments, the audio device comprises a microphone and asystem configured to recognize speech of the user.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a lottery ticketreader.

In some embodiments, the lottery ticket reader comprises a camera and/orscanner configured for viewing a lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a touchscreen.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is configured forviewing a dispensing of a physical form lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the system further includes the graphical userinterface is configured to provide real-time and/or delayed videoconferencing.

In some embodiments, the system includes a lottery terminal or vendingmachine that uses a 3D space sensor to identify one or more gestures foruser input. In some embodiments, the gestures may include one or morefacial expressions, arm and hand motions, leg and foot motions and/orhand-finger motions.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal includes a graphical userinterface such as a large display. In some embodiments, the largedisplay may include LCD, LED, Plasma, projector or the like configuredto display dynamic content. In some embodiments, the dynamic content maybe based, at least in part on, available lottery-related products suchas drawing lottery tickets, instant lottery tickets, or lottery games.In some embodiments, the dynamic content may be based, at least in parton, user interaction elements such as avatars, cursors and the like.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal further includes a motioncapture device such as three-dimensional sensor—Microsoft® Kinect. Insome embodiments, the motion capture device provides skeleton data of auser, depth information for background removal, a camera image and userdata (age, gender, shape, colors, clothes).

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal displays advertisements &dynamic animations when there are no potential users are positionedwithin the three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal further provides virtual gameselection. In some embodiments, lottery games presented are nothard-linked with dispenser channels, but rather based, at least in part,on an inventory summary. In some embodiments, one or morelottery-related products that are available in other lottery terminalswill be presented to a user.

In some embodiments, products that cannot be purchased based on thepayment from a user and/or the available credits in the lottery terminalwill be either grayed out, changed color or remove from the graphicaluser interface. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface isoptimized to display a larger variety of products. In a non-limitingexample, on-line tickets displayed for a graphical user interfacecontrasts with a traditional machine. In some embodiments, productimages displayed on the graphical user interface have a size equal tothe real products.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal is configured to detect thegender of a user. In some embodiments, the graphical user interfacedisplays different products or product list sequences based, at least inpart, on the preferences of the detected user gender.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal is configured to detect theage of a user. In some embodiments, the graphical user interfacedisplays different products or product list sequences based, at least inpart, on the preferences of the detected user's age.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal is configured to detect aminor user. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface aborts theattraction and/or play unless a form of identification is displayed andacknowledged using a bar code reader and driver's license, for example.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal is configured to detect whethera user is handicapped. In some embodiments, the graphical user interfacedisplays different products or product list sequences based, at least inpart, on the viewing level of a handicapped person.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal displays an avatar to the userto guide the user for selecting one or more products. In someembodiments, the avatar mirrors, at least in part, a user's gestures. Insome embodiments, the avatar mirrors, at least in part, a user'sgestures to guide the user for selection one or more products.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal attracts users based, at leastin part, on 3D space detection. In some embodiments, upon detection of apotential user in the three dimensional space surrounding the lotteryterminal, the graphical user interface changes and/or audiocommunication is initiated with the user. In some embodiments, the audiocommunication includes an invitation for the user to interact with thelottery terminal.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal attracts potential users throughgameplay of current users.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal detects hesitation and/ordetermination of the user and responds based, at least in part, on thehesitation and/or determination of the user. In some embodiments, onhesitation of user's selection, the lottery terminal may propose alottery game. In some embodiments, on hesitation for play, the lotteryterminal may provide more audio and/or visual content to attract a user.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal detects multiple potentialusers. In some embodiments, the user positioned in front of the lotteryterminal has priority for selecting a product. In some embodiments, ifthe user positioned in front move away from the lottery terminal, asecond potential user has the priority in play.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal is configured to detectdifferent gestures for the same or similar selection and/or operation.In some embodiments, the different gestures may include hover andtimeout, pressing a virtual button, and/or hovering and head nod.

In some embodiments, a lottery terminal provides a gesture selectiondisplay area. In some embodiments, the gesture selection display area issized larger than physically reachable by the user. In some embodiments,the gesture selection display area is sized larger than physicallyreachable by the user based, at least in part, by size and/or location.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal may include a touchscreenproviding a dual input or touchless/touchscreen combination graphicaluser interface.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal includes an audio device suchas a microphone configured for speech recognition. In some embodiments,the speech recognition is used for product selection and/or to help theuser.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal may display a clerk forfacilitating a purchase or to provide guidance. In some embodiments, theclerk is displayed based on user request. In some embodiments, the clerkis displayed through real-time video conferencing.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal further includes a camera orother scanning device for vertical ticket and/or playslip reading andvalidation. In some embodiments, a user validates a ticket or scans aplayslip by holding it in the air and/or touching it in the lotteryterminal's front scanner.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal may attract potential usersthrough ticket validation.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal displays the actual ticketand/or playslip on the graphical user interface. In some embodiments,the lottery terminal alerts the user if a problem arises duringscanning. In some embodiments, the lottery terminal displays theresults.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface displays the progressof a user's activity. In some embodiments, the graphical user interfacedisplays a ticket graphic is falling when an instant ticket isrequested. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface displays aticket graphic falling that is synchronized with the actual ticketfalling time from the dispenser used, in order to simulate the ticketmotion and drive player's gaze to the dispenser tray when the actualticket arrives.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface displays transactionstatus when an on-line ticket is requested, so the player knows how manysteps are involved and how many steps are completed. In someembodiments, the steps may include Network link, server request, serverresponse, and/or printing. In some embodiments, the display will aid auser, retailer or other identify the source/step of any issues with thelottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface displays lotterydrawing information in real time. In some embodiments, the marksrepresenting the current lottery drawing are gradually added to a blankvirtual and/or physical ticket.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal and/or graphical userinterface may be configured so the user can see the actual dispensing ofthe physical ticket.

Illustrative Examples for Methods and Systems for a Gesture-ControlledLottery Terminal

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment that includes a lottery terminal 302having a graphical user interface 304, a motion capture device 306, apayment receiving device 308, and a lottery ticket dispensing mechanism310. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 304 displaysimages 312 of lottery tickets and/or lottery games. In some embodiments,the images may include, but are not limited to, lottery tickets. In someembodiments, the lottery tickets include, but are not limited to,instant result lottery tickets and drawing lottery tickets. In someembodiments, the instant result lottery tickets include, but are notlimited to, scratch lottery tickets which require a user to scratch afilm or equivalent to reveal a winning or losing ticket and pull lotterytickets which require a user to pull a tab or equivalent to reveal awinning or losing ticket. In some embodiments, the drawing lotterytickets include, but are not limited to, lottery tickets for entry intoa drawing or equivalent. In some embodiments, the drawing lotterytickets include numbers or equivalent that can be compared to winningnumbers selected during a future drawing. In some embodiments, thegraphical user interface displays images of lottery tickets and/orlottery games, a customer avatar or other images related to the lotteryterminal.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 304 displays lotterytickets and/or lottery games. In some embodiments, the graphical userinterface 304 displays images of lottery tickets and/or lottery games.In some embodiments, the graphical user interface 304 displays lotterytickets and/or lottery games in manner similar to traditional vendingmachines where the physical lottery game tickets are displayed through aseries of glass or plastic windows. In some embodiments, the graphicaluser interface 304 will display images of lottery tickets and/or lotterygames corresponding to the available physical forms of the lotterytickets and/or lottery games in the lottery terminal inventory (i.e.,the lottery ticket and/or other physical forms of the lottery games arestored within the lottery terminal). In some embodiments, the images ofthe lottery tickets and/or lottery games to be displayed on a graphicaluser interface 304 are stored in a network server 106 and downloaded toeach lottery terminal (in this embodiment, client device 103) via anetwork 105. In other embodiments, the graphical user interface 304 willdisplay an advertisement or equivalent when the motion capture device306 detects a potential user passing within the three dimensional spaceof the lottery terminal. In other embodiments, the advertisement orequivalent are displayed at random intervals to attract potential users.

In some embodiments, the advertisements or equivalent are displayedevery 1 to 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the advertisements orequivalent are displayed every 1 to 10 minutes. In some embodiments, theadvertisements or equivalent are displayed every 10 to 60 minutes. Insome embodiments, the advertisements or equivalent are displayed every 1to 3 hours. In some embodiments, the advertisements or equivalent aredisplayed every 3 to 6 hours.

In an embodiment, the graphical user interface is configured to displayimages of the available lottery tickets and/or lottery games. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface is sized to display a user'sone or more gestures on the screen and/or an advertisement orequivalent. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is a 42″or larger screen. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface is aliquid crystal display, plasma, light emitting diode screen, orprojector screen.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal includes a motion capturedevice 402 for detecting gestures of a user 404 in the three dimensionalspace 406 surrounding the lottery terminal 408 as illustrated in FIG. 4.In some embodiments, the motion capture device is a Kinect™ provided byMicrosoft®, Inc. In some embodiments, the motion capture device is aKinect™ for use with an XBOX 360®, PC, and/or other computing device. Insome embodiments, the motion capture device will provide pixel depthinformation and/or pixel depth information for each picture element. Insome embodiments, the motion capture device will conduct skeletonidentification of a user to recognize movement of the user's body,limbs, and/or head. In some embodiments, the motion capture device willdetect facial expressions of the user. In some embodiments, the motioncapture device is positioned to optimize detection of a user's gesturesbased, at least in part, on angles, lighting conditions and/or otherenvironmental factors.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device will detect one or morefeatures of a user including, but not limited to, the height, weight,position, gender, age, facial feature, hairstyle, clothing and handicapand/or other feature of a potential user. In some embodiments, themotion capture device will signal the graphical user interface to modifythe display to reflect the one or more detected features of a potentialuser.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device will detect the height ofa user positioned within range of the motion capture device. In anembodiment, the motion capture device will then signal the lotteryterminal to alter the graphical user interface to accommodate the heightof the person. In an embodiment, the graphical user interface willdisplay lottery tickets and/or lottery games in a manner to accommodatethe height of a user in a wheelchair or other handicapped user. In someembodiments, the motion capture device will detect a handicapped user byvarious techniques including, but not limited to, detection of a wheelchair bound person via failure to detect motion in the lower limbsand/or detection of a blind person by detecting a walking stick orequivalent. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface ismodified, as required, to accommodate handicapped users although thegraphical user interface is out of their physical reach.

In an embodiment, the graphical user interface will display a request toconfirm that a user is an adult if the motion capture device detectsthat the user may be a child based on height or other feature of theuser. In some embodiments, the motion capture device is adjusted toprevent operation by children. In some embodiments, the field of view,angle, and/or range of the motion capture device is adjusted to preventoperation by children.

In another embodiment, the motion capture device will recognize if anadult potential user is with children. In some embodiments, if a userwith children is detected, the motion capture device may signal thelottery terminal to hide the images of the lottery tickets and/orlottery games and/or invite the adult user to play via visible and/oraudible feedback. In some embodiments, the visible and/or audiblefeedback may include a dynamic display on the graphical user interfaceand/or audio recording.

In other embodiments, the motion capture device will detect a user'sgender. In some embodiments, the motion capture device will signal thegraphical user interface to display lottery tickets and/or lottery gamestargeted to the detected gender. In some embodiments, the lotteryterminal is programmed to display lottery tickets and/or lottery gamestargeted for a female user and other lottery tickets and/or lotterygames targeted for a male user.

In an embodiment, the graphical user interface will display a virtualavatar based, at least in part, on at least one feature of the userdetected by the motion capture device. In some embodiments, the virtualavatar will look similar to a user. In an embodiment, the virtual avatarwill have the same or similar a height, weight, position, gender, age,facial feature, hairstyle, clothing and handicap, and/or other featureof the user. In some embodiments, the avatar will mirror the gestures ofthe user to facilitate participation in the lottery. In some embodiment,the avatar will participate in the lottery based, at least in part, onthe gestures of the user.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device is combined with atouchscreen display or equivalent.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device can be combined withlocation tracking technology including, but not limited to RFIDtechnology to interact with NFC-enabled devices including, but notlimited to, a mobile electronic device that can include, but is notlimited to, a mobile phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonable mobileelectronic device. In some embodiments, the motion capture device aloneor coupled with tracking technology can signal the graphical userinterface to display lottery tickets and/or lottery games,advertisements or the like based on personal preferences of a user. Insome embodiments, the graphical user interface will display the lotterytickets and/or lottery games based, at least in part, on the previouslottery play of the user. In some embodiments, the graphical userinterface will display the location, size, and/or other characteristicof the images of the lottery tickets and/or lottery games based, atleast in part, on the personal preferences of the user.

In an embodiment, the lottery terminal will include a microphone. Insome embodiments, the microphone is configured to conduct speechrecognition. In an embodiment, the microphone is configured to detectambient noise and adjust, as required, the audio volume of the lotteryterminal.

In an embodiment, the lottery terminal will remain idle when nopotential users are positioned within the three dimensional spacesurrounding the lottery terminal. In some embodiments, the lotteryterminal remaining idle may include, the graphical user interfacedisplaying lottery tickets and/or lottery games, a blank graphical userinterface, the lottery terminal entering a power-saving mode or otheridle state. In some embodiments, a motion capture device will detect apotential user positioned within the three dimensional space surroundingthe lottery terminal. In some embodiments, the lottery terminal willprovide visible and/or audible feedback to a potential user. In someembodiments, the feedback may include display of dynamic content, anaudio recording, and/or other feedback configured to prompt a userpositioned near the lottery terminal to interact with the lotteryterminal. In an embodiment, the dynamic content can include, but is notlimited to, an animated avatar image or an advertisement. In anembodiment, the audio recording includes, but is not limited to, “WannaPlay?”

In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback to thepotential user is provided for a sufficient time so as to result in theuser departing the three dimensional space surrounding the lotteryterminal or the user playing in the lottery. In some embodiments, thevisible and/or audible feedback is displayed every 1 to 60 seconds. Insome embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback is displayed every1 to 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the visible and/or audiblefeedback is displayed every 10 to 60 minutes.

In an embodiment, the lottery terminal will return to an idle state ifthe potential user is no longer positioned in the three dimensionalspace surrounding the lottery terminal. In some embodiments, the lotteryterminal will return to an idle state if the potential user ignores theaudible and/or visible feedback. In some embodiments, the motion capturedevice will detect hesitation or equivalent in the potential user. In anembodiment, the lottery terminal will provide visible and/or audiblefeedback if the motion capture device detects hesitation of a potentialuser. In some embodiments, the visible and/or audible feedback willcontinue until the potential user decides to interact with lotteryterminal or depart the three dimensional space surrounding the lotteryterminal. In an embodiment, the visible feedback may include dynamiccontent such as display of lottery tickets and/or lottery games on thegraphical user interface. In some embodiments, the graphical userinterface display may present, but is not limited to, low cost lotterytickets and/or lottery games, lottery tickets and/or lottery games basedon user preferences, or any other display for attracting a potentialuser to the lottery terminal.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will further include a lotteryticket reader where a user can check a lottery ticket. In an embodiment,the lottery terminal will have an area or slot where a user can positiona lottery ticket. In an embodiment, the lottery ticket positioned in thearea or slot will be evaluated to determine if the lottery ticket is awinning lottery ticket or a losing lottery ticket.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will be configured to read alottery ticket. In an embodiment, a user will position a lottery ticketin the three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface will display an image of thelottery ticket that is positioned within the three dimensional spacesurrounding the lottery terminal. In some embodiments, the lotteryticket image displayed on the graphical user interface will display thelottery ticket recognition marks to allow a user to confirm the lotteryticket has been read accurately. In an embodiment, the lottery ticketwill be evaluated to determine if the lottery ticket is a winninglottery ticket or a losing lottery ticket.

In an embodiment, the lottery terminal will display an image of thelottery ticket that failed to be evaluated. In some embodiments, thedisplayed image of a lottery ticket that failed to be evaluated willshow the ticket is unclear, wrinkled and/or includes another defect thatprevented evaluation of the ticket. In some embodiments, the user canremedy the ticket defect and repeat the process for subsequentevaluation.

In some embodiments, information on the user's lottery ticket, includingbut not limited to, the lottery ticket recognition marks such as a barcode or equivalent, is locally recognized by the lottery terminal. Insome embodiments, the lottery ticket information is sent from thelottery terminal (in this embodiment, client device 103) to a networkserver 106 via a network 105 for evaluation. In some embodiments, thelottery ticket is evaluated at the network server 106 and the results ofthe ticket evaluation are returned to a client device 103 via thenetwork 105. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface displaysimages while the ticket is evaluated via remote server. In someembodiments, the images displayed during the ticket evaluation processinclude, but are not limited to, a visual representation of the ticketbeing transmitted to a remote server and back, an animated avatar, textstating the ticket is being evaluated remotely, and/or interactive gamesfor the user to play.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface will displayinteractive lottery games for the user to play including, but notlimited to, skill, challenge, and chance games provided for furtherattraction. In some embodiments, when a user selects lottery ticketsand/or lottery games, the graphical user interface displays an animationof the dispensing mechanism that dispenses the lottery ticket followedby the falling lottery ticket. In some embodiments, the animation of thedispense mechanism followed by the falling ticket is timed to correspondwith a physical lottery ticket falling from the dispensing mechanismthus guiding the user's gaze. In some embodiments, when the animatedvirtual lottery ticket reaches the bottom or side of the graphical userinterface, the physical lottery ticket arrives at the dispensermechanism at about the same time, so that the physical ticket is visibleto the user.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface such as a projectorscreen or equivalent is configured so that the user can view the actualdispensing of the physical lottery ticket. In some embodiments, thegraphical user interface will be configured to be at least partiallytransparent to allow viewing of the actual dispensing of the physicallottery ticket. In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will includean internal light so that the user can view the actual dispensing of thephysical lottery ticket. In some embodiments, operation of the internallight will coincide with the actual dispensing of the physical lotteryticket. In some embodiments, after the physical ticket has beendispensed, the graphical user interface will be reconfigured for normaloperation that may include, but is not limited, display of lotterytickets and/or lottery games, display of advertisements, or otherdisplays.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface will display ananimated response to a winning lottery ticket. In some embodiments, theanimated response will include, but is not limited to, an avatar in ananimated pose.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device will detect when a useris providing payment that may include, but is not limited to enteringcurrency, using a credit card, a debit card, and/or mobile electronicdevice that can include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any otherreasonable mobile electronic device having a mobile application such asGoogle Wallet or equivalent configured to provide payment. In anembodiment, the graphical user interface displays lights or equivalentwhen the motion capture device detects a user will be entering currency,using a credit card, a debit card, and/or a mobile electronic devicewith a mobile application such as Google Wallet or equivalent.

In an embodiment, the motion capture device will detect when the userhas completed entering currency, using a credit card, a debit card,and/or a mobile electronic device with a mobile application such asGoogle Wallet or equivalent to provide payment and/or generate creditsin the lottery terminal. In some embodiments, the lottery terminal willdisplay the lottery play available to a user based on the amount ofcredits and/or based on the currency entered or the credit card, debitcard, and/or mobile electronic device with a mobile application such asGoogle Wallet or equivalent used with the lottery terminal.

In other embodiments, the motion capture device will recognize ifmultiple potential users are positioned near the lottery terminal. Insome embodiments, the motion capture device will signal the lotteryterminal to interact with the user who entered currency, or used acredit card, a debit card, and/or mobile electronic device that caninclude, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonablemobile electronic device with a mobile application such as Google Walletor equivalent to provide payment and/or generate credits in the lotteryterminal. In some embodiments, the motion capture device will signal thelottery terminal to interact with the user in closest proximity to thelottery terminal. In some embodiments, the motion capture device willsignal the lottery terminal to change the interacting user based on agesture from the user and/or other potential user including, but notlimited to, shaking head, stepping back, and/or other gesture indicatinga reluctance to play.

In some embodiments, the motion capture device will detect if a user ishesitating in choosing from the lottery tickets and/or lottery games. Inan embodiment, the motion capture device will signal the graphical userinterface will display lottery tickets and/or lottery games. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface will display an image of thelottery tickets and/or lottery games in the form of a lottery ticket. Insome embodiments, the displayed lottery ticket is selected based onuser-specific information provided by the motion capture deviceincluding, but not limited to, gender and/or other feature of the user.

In some embodiments, the user may select lottery tickets and/or lotterygames without contacting the graphical user interface. In someembodiments, the lottery tickets and/or lottery games may be selected byan audio command. In some embodiments, a blind user can use body, limb,and/or head gestures and/or audio feedback to select lottery ticketsand/or lottery games. In some embodiments, the user will select lotterytickets and/or lottery games using a hand gesture such as pointing tothe lottery tickets and/or lottery games. In some embodiments, a cursoror equivalent will be displayed on the graphical user interface toprovide visual feedback regarding a gesture or equivalent. In someembodiments, the user may select the lottery tickets and/or lotterygames by pointing or equivalent to the lottery tickets and/or lotterygames for a predetermined time, pressing a virtual button correspondingto the lottery tickets and/or lottery games, dragging an image of thelottery tickets and/or lottery games to an image of a storage containersuch as a bucket, nodding the user's head to indicate the selectedlottery tickets and/or lottery games or any other manner suitable foridentifying the user's selected lottery tickets and/or lottery games.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface will only display thelottery tickets and/or lottery games selected by the user. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface will alter the display of thelottery tickets and/or lottery games that was not selected by the user.In some embodiments, the graphical user interface will display thelottery tickets and/or lottery games not selected by the user using analternate color such as gray or equivalent. In some embodiments, thegraphical user interface will delete the lottery tickets and/or lotterygames that is not selected by the user. In some embodiments, thegraphical user interface will display an enlarged image of the lotterytickets and/or lottery games selected by the user. In some embodiments,the graphical user interface will display an animated image of thelottery tickets and/or lottery games moving along the graphical userinterface until the physical form or electronic representation form ofthe lottery tickets and/or lottery games such as a physical lotteryticket is distributed.

In some embodiments, the physical form of the lottery tickets and/orlottery games selected by the user is an instant result lottery ticket.In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will distribute the lotteryticket based on the user's selection.

In some embodiments, the physical form of the lottery tickets and/orlottery games is a drawing lottery ticket. In some embodiments, once theuser selects lottery tickets and/or lottery games corresponding to adrawing lottery ticket, the lottery terminal (in this embodiment clientserver 103) will connect via a network 105 to a network server 106 toaccess information to be included on the lottery ticket including, butnot limited to, numbers, recognition marks, etc. In some embodiments,the lottery ticket information is remotely generated by a network serverand then returned to the lottery terminal via a network. In someembodiments, the graphical user interface displays images while thedrawing lottery ticket is being generated. In some embodiments, theimages displayed during the drawing lottery ticket generation processinclude, but are not limited to, a blank lottery ticket that iseventually populated with the numbers, recognition marks, etc. whenreceived from the network server, an image of the drawing lottery ticketbeing generated, an animated avatar, text stating the drawing lotteryticket is being created, and/or an interactive game for the user toplay.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will distribute the physicaldrawing lottery ticket after receipt of the information from the remoteserver. In some embodiments, the drawing lottery ticket will bepersonalized and may include, but not limited to, a decorative imagesuch as an avatar or equivalent. In some embodiments, an image of thedrawing lottery ticket will be transmitted directly to a mobileelectronic device that can include, but is not limited to, a mobilephone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone,or any other reasonable mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the lottery terminal will collect user-specificinformation, including, but not limited to, the lottery tickets and/orlottery games selected, user-specific lottery results and/or otheruser-specific information. In some embodiments, the user-specificinformation may be posted on a social media page (user's or lotteryHost's or other) for the user to illustrate the user's results. In someembodiments, social media posting may be included as part of the lotterygame. In some embodiments, the player may be directed to the lotteryHost's web site.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, to the extent thatsuch methods are implemented using a computer, not every step mustnecessarily be implemented using a computer. Further still, the varioussteps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps maybe added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: providing a lottery terminal comprising a graphical user interface and a motion capture device so as to facilitate a user to play in a lottery; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphical user interface, at least one first image, wherein a first content of the at least one first image is selected from the group consisting of drawing lottery tickets, instant lottery tickets, lottery games, dynamically-generated animations, and advertisements; detecting, by the motion capture device, at least one first gesture of the user in a three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal; displaying, by the lottery terminal on the graphical user interface, at least one second image, wherein a second content of the at least second image is based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user; receiving, by the lottery terminal, at least one payment from the user for playing the lottery; and distributing, by the lottery terminal, at least one lottery ticket, based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture of the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment comprises currency, credit card, debit card, and/or payment with a mobile electronic device having a mobile application configured for payment.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first gesture comprises movement of a body, a limb, and/or a head of the user and/or a change in a facial expression of the user.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one first gesture comprises movement of a body part selected from the group consisting of arm, hand, leg, foot, hand, finger, and toe.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, by the lottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the visible and/or audible feedback to the user is based, at least in part, on the at least one first gesture.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the visible and/or audible feedback comprises an avatar display, an advertising display, a request for the user to play in the lottery and/or a cursor.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the avatar display comprises an avatar configured to: i) facilitate user selection of drawing lottery tickets, instant lottery tickets, and/or lottery games and/or ii) repeat the at least one first gesture of the user.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting, by the lottery terminal, lack of movement and/or lack of sound from the user for a predetermined time.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing, by the lottery terminal, visible and/or audible feedback to the user for a sufficient time so as to result in the user departing the three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal or the user playing in the lottery.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one lottery ticket is selected from the group consisting of an electronic representation form lottery ticket and a physical form lottery ticket.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting, by the motion capture device, at least one first gesture of a second user in a three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining a position of the user and a second position of the second user; comparing the user position to the second position of the second user to determine a primary user that is positioned closer to the lottery terminal; and conducting the receiving and distributing steps with the primary user.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising changing the at least one first image based, at least in part, on: i) an inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets; ii) the at least one payment; and/or iii) the at least one gesture of the user.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the changing step comprises removing or changing a color of the at least one first image of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets based, at least in part, on: i) unavailability of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets in the inventory of the drawing and/or instant lottery tickets; and/or ii) a cost of the drawing and/or instant lottery ticket exceeding the payment.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising detecting, by the motion capture device, at least one second gesture of a user in the three dimensional space surrounding the lottery terminal.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second content of the at least first image is based, at least in part, on the at least one second gesture of the user.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the distributing step is based, at least in part, on the at least one second gesture of the user.
 19. The method of claim 1, further comprising evaluating the at least one gesture to identify the at least one lottery ticket selected by the user.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein different at least one gestures correspond to identification of the same at least one lottery ticket selected by the user. 